Ultrasound System: Pulse-Echo Instrumentation

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to ultrasound systems and pulse-echo instrumentation.

Transmitter

Device that sends out electrical signals to the transducer to create a sound beam.

Receiver

Component that receives the echoes and converts them into images and sounds.

Amplifier

Increases the strength of the signal for better processing.

Scan

The process of capturing images from sound waves reflected by tissues.

Detector

Device that identifies the returning echoes from the transducer.

Converter

Changes signals from one form to another, typically from analog to digital.

TGC (Time Gain Compensation)

A technique that adjusts the amplification of echoes based on their depth.

Display

The screen or device that shows the processed images.

Beam Former

Generates electrical pulses to optimize transducer operation.

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

Device that converts analog echo voltages into digital format.

Signal Processor

Processes the signals received from the receiver to create an image.

Compensation

Adjustment that equalizes image brightness across different depths.

Image Processor

Part of the system that interprets the signals received and produces visual images.

Preamplifier

Increases signal strength before further processing.

Compression

Reduces the total range of signals to ensure visual clarity.

Demodulation

Transforms the echo voltages from radio frequency to video form.

Rejection

Eliminates low-level echoes that are not clinically significant.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

A measure of the desired signal strength relative to background noise.

Output Power

Strength of the sound pulse delivered by the transducer.

Receiver Gain

Amplification of received signals to adjust image brightness.

Dynamic Range

Range of signal amplitudes the system can accurately process.

Gray Scale

Range of shades from black to white displayed in an image.

Algorithm

A set of rules or calculations for processing information.

Low Frequencies

Used to penetrate deeper tissues but provide less detail.

High Frequencies

Provide greater detail but do not penetrate as deeply.

Pulse Delays

Controls timing and distribution of pulses in an array transducer.

Coded Excitation

Technique that improves image quality by sending a series of pulses.

Shot Noise

Random fluctuations in signals which can affect image quality.

Saturation

Occurs when excessive amplification results in loss of detail.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish between two close points in the image.

Echo

Sound wave reflected back to the transducer from tissues.

Tissue Harmonics

Higher frequency echoes generated due to non-linear propagation.

Spatial Resolution

Image quality based on the ability to distinguish fine details.

Temporal Resolution

Ability to capture moving images clearly over time.

Alphanumeric Display

Displays information in both letters and numbers.

Doppler Effect

Change in frequency of echoes due to motion of tissues.

Frequency

Number of cycles of the sound wave per second, measured in Hz.

Beam Steering

Techniques used to direct the ultrasound beam at various angles.

Apodization

Technique that controls the amplitude of different elements in an array to focus the beam.

Attenuation

Reduction in the strength of the sound wave as it travels through tissues.

Adjustment Controls

Buttons or levers that modify settings on the ultrasound machine.

Anatomy

Structure of the body; important in ultrasound imaging.

Frequency Spectrum

Range of frequencies used to create ultrasound images.

Chamber

Space in which echoes are collected and processed.

Transducer

The device that converts electrical energy to sound and vice versa.

Under-sampling

Inadequate sampling of signals, which can lead to image artifacts.

M-mode

Motion mode; provides information about movement over time.

B-mode

Brightness mode; provides 2D images based on amplitude of echoes.

Protocol

Guidelines that dictate ultrasound examination procedures.

Gain

Controls the increase of the signal in the receiver.

Phase Shift

Delay difference between multiple signals used for processing.

Blood Flow

Circulation of blood, often evaluated using Doppler ultrasound.

Image Archive

Storage for recorded ultrasound images.

Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)

Number of ultrasound pulses emitted per second.

Scan Conversion

Process of converting the raw echo data into an image format.

Acoustic Power

Energy of the ultrasound wave emitted by the transducer.

Volts

Unit of electrical potential, significant in determining output power.

Clip

Short video or sequence of images captured during an ultrasound.

Threshold

Minimum signal level above which echoes are considered significant.

Frequency Modulation

Varying frequency of the questionnaire signal to analyze properties.

Tissue Imaging

Process of visualizing internal tissues with ultrasound.

Image Fidelity

Accuracy of the image representation of the tissues.

Bioeffects

Possible effects of ultrasound waves on biological tissues.

Clinical Relevance

Importance of ultrasound findings in a patient's care.

Refraction

Bending of sound waves as they pass through different media.

Impedance

Resistance of tissues to the passage of sound waves.

Focus

Point at which the ultrasound beam is concentrated for optimal imaging.

Multi-frequency transducers

Transducers capable of emitting and receiving a range of frequencies.

Spatial Average

Average intensity of ultrasound over a given area.

Interpolation

Establishing values for unknown points based on known data.

Non-linear propagation

Behavior of sound waves in tissues leading to harmonics.

Image Smoothing

Reducing image noise for better clarity.

Alpha numeric codes

Data used to indicate operational settings or conditions.

Beam Profile

Shape of the ultrasound beam as it propagates through tissues.

Signal Filtering

Process of separating useful signals from noise.

Automated Systems

Systems that operate with minimal human intervention.

User Interface

Controls and displays used for interacting with the ultrasound machine.

Clarity

Sharpness of the image displayed, crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Frequency Shift

Change in frequency of echoes due to tissue movement.